How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type

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Choosing the right foundation is key to complexion perfection and will be an absolute game-changer for your makeup routine. But there are so many options out there which can make it feel completely overwhelming! You need to choose a formula that complements your skin type for a flawless, natural finish. In this guide, I’ll help you identify the best foundation for your skin’s needs.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

How to choose the right foundation

It’s important to understand your skin type when understanding how to choose the right foundation:

Skin Types and Skin Conditions are two different things and it is important to understand that. Knowing what Skin Type you are will help you greatly when buying your skincare and makeup.

Normal Skin

The skin looks healthy clear and fresh. A normal skin type is neither oily or dry and is usually free from congestion and blemishes.

Dry Skin

This skin can thin and fine and is lacking in sebum and is prone to premature wrinkling. The skin will feel tight after washing and may have dry, flaky patches.

Oily Skin

The skin looks shiny and can be slightly sallow-looking from the excess sebum that is produced. Enlarged pores can be visible and skin could be prone to clogged pores. Oily skin tends to age slower, the excess sebum can help lubricate the skin through the ageing process.

Combination Skin

The skin has areas of dry, greasy and normal skin. Usually the forehead, nose and chin (T-Zone) are oily, leaving dryer areas around the eyes and cheeks.

Sensitive Skin

The skin is often dry, delicate and reddens very easily. Hereditary factors may be the cause of sensitivity as well as environmental or topical use of products.

Mature Skin

Mature skin refers to skin that shows signs of ageing which can include wrinkles, fine lines, and a lack of firmness. You may find that skin is dryer and needs a bit more hydration.

For more help with identifying your skin type, read: How to Work Out Your Skin Type – The Ultimate Guide & What Products You Need.

Step 2: Choose the Right Formula

Once you have identified your skin type, how to choose the right foundation comes down to finding formulations that best match it.

Foundation Formulas for Normal Skin

You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of finishes, from matte to dewy. This one is simple, so it’s just up to you to choose the finish you want.

My favourite foundations for a dewy finish are NARS Light Reflecting Foundation and Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30.

For a more matte look, I love e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation.

Foundation Formulas for Dry Skin

Choose hydrating, dewy-finish foundations with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Here’s are some of my favourite foundations for dry skin:

Foundation Formulas for Oily Skin

Opt for oil-free, mattifying foundations such as powder or long-wear liquid formulas. Here are some of my favourite options for oily skin:

Foundation Formulas for Combination Skin

Choose lightweight, buildable foundations to balance different areas of the face. I have combination skin and these are my favourites:

Foundation Formulas for Sensitive Skin

Choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic foundations with soothing ingredients:

Foundation Formulas for Mature Skin

For my mature skin, I love hydrating, blurring formulas that deliver skincare ingredients, while softening the look of lines and wrinkles:

Step 3: Find Your Perfect Shade

Once you have picked your formula, choosing a shade is the last step in how to choose the right foundation for you.

Here are my top tips:

• Test foundation on your jawline in natural light.
• Determine your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) to find the most flattering shade
• Consider seasonal changes as your skin tone may shift slightly between summer and winter

A lot of getting the right shade is trial and error, and in every blog post I have shared with you in this round up, there will be a range of different shade swatches for you to check out.

Step 4: Application Tips for a Flawless Finish

Personally, I love to use a brush to apply and blend my foundation and my favourite is the one I made for my brand, the REESON No. 1 Brush.

My best tip is to have one brush to apply and then another clean brush to buff away excess product. This technique means you will never look cakey and you will achieve the most flawless and natural looking result.

Check out this video to demonstrate:

I hope you found this guide on How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type helpful. Please always let me know if you need any recommendations.